Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Netherlands

Discover the Netherlands

Discover the Netherlands

Why visit the Netherlands?

The Netherlands blends historic cities, canals, and windmills with modern design and innovation. You find compact, walkable destinations, a welcoming café culture, and a relaxed cycling lifestyle.

What to expect

Explore museum-rich Amsterdam, elegant canal towns like Utrecht and Leiden, and coastal escapes along the North Sea. Spring tulip displays, art heritage, and year-round festivals shape many visits.

The Netherlands is easy to explore thanks to its compact size and excellent rail links from Amsterdam to the rest of the country and neighbouring Europe. Use it as a base to discover nearby Belgium, Germany, and beyond.

Top experiences in the Netherlands

Cruise Amsterdam's canals

Glide along Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed canal belt to see merchant houses, houseboats, and bridges from the water.

Visit world-class museums

Discover Dutch masters at the Rijksmuseum, modern icons at the Van Gogh Museum, and poignant stories at the Anne Frank House.

Cycle like a local

Rent a bicycle and follow dedicated paths through city streets, countryside polders, and riverside routes.

See tulips in bloom

In spring, wander colourful flower fields and landscaped gardens, especially in the bulb-growing region near Lisse.

Explore historic windmills

Visit preserved windmill villages and waterways to learn how wind power once helped shape the Dutch landscape.

Relax on the North Sea coast

Head to seaside towns for sandy beaches, dunes, and long coastal walks in cooler months.

Discover Delft and Utrecht

Stroll canal-lined streets, historic squares, and university districts in these charming smaller cities.

Experience the Netherlands's way of life

Getting around

Trains radiate from Amsterdam across the country, making day trips quick and simple. Within cities, extensive tram, bus, and metro networks, plus dedicated cycle paths, make it easy to move around without a car.

Local life & culture

Life centres around canals, town squares, and neighbourhood cafés, with a strong focus on cycling and outdoor living. You encounter a creative culture expressed through design, art, and a packed calendar of festivals and events.

Where to unwind

Unwind in canal-side parks, forested city edges, and dune landscapes along the coast. Many towns offer green spaces, lakes, and nature reserves just a short cycle or train ride away.

A taste of the Netherlands

National dishes & specialties

Classic Dutch comfort foods include hearty stews, pancakes, and fresh seafood, with cheese and baked treats found across the country. Coastal towns and market cities put their own spin on these favourites.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Amsterdam and other major cities offer everything from relaxed cafés to global street food halls. You find neighbourhood eateries, modern bistros, and a wide mix of international influences across compact, walkable districts.

Signature & scenic dining

Enjoy canal-side terraces, converted warehouses, and contemporary waterfront venues for memorable meals. In larger cities, some restaurants pair inventive menus with skyline or harbour views.

Retail therapy in the Netherlands

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Amsterdam and other cities feature modern shopping streets and centres with international brands, Dutch labels, and lifestyle stores. You can combine browsing with cafés, cinemas, and cultural attractions nearby.

Markets & local crafts

Street markets in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht showcase flowers, design pieces, and everyday goods. Smaller towns often have weekly markets and boutiques highlighting local crafts and design.

Evening retail scene

In major cities, key shopping streets stay lively into the evening, with illuminated façades and late-opening stores on selected nights. Nearby cafés and bars create an easy blend of shopping and socialising.

Best time to visit the Netherlands

Spring shoulder season (April to June) brings mild temperatures around 10–18°C (50–64°F), blooming flowers, and longer days. Summer peak season (July to August) is warm at about 17–22°C (63–72°F), popular for city breaks and coastal trips. Autumn and winter low season (November to February) are cooler, around 2–8°C (36–46°F), with quieter attractions and a cosy atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions